The penultimate place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations was claimed by Algeria, who edged past DR Congo with a dramatic 1–0 win after extra time in a fiercely contested knockout tie.

The match fully lived up to expectations in terms of intensity and tension. Algeria, who had won all three of their previous games at the tournament, and a confident DR Congo side preparing for an intercontinental play-off spot on the road to the 2026 World Cup, named their strongest available line-ups, with no major surprises before kick-off.

From the opening whistle, Algeria took control of possession and territory, pushing their opponents deep into their own half. Ismael Bennacer dictated the tempo in midfield, consistently looking for inventive ways to unlock the defence. However, repeated deliveries into the box were repelled by the resilient centre-back pairing of Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe.

As the first half progressed, DR Congo grew in confidence and began to resist more effectively, yet clear-cut chances remained scarce and the teams went into the break level.

The second half promised a more open contest, but the pattern of the game barely shifted. The battle in midfield remained physical and uncompromising, while the tempo dropped noticeably after Bennacer was forced off through injury in the 49th minute — a blow to Algeria’s rhythm and creativity.

Extra time drifted on with a sense of inevitability, as both sides appeared increasingly cautious and penalties loomed large. Then, in the 119th minute, Algeria struck decisively. Breaking on the counter-attack, Adil Boulbina found space on the edge of the area and unleashed a stunning finish into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria - DR Congo 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Boulbina, 119 (1:0)

Algeria: Zidane L.; Mandi; Aït-Nouri (Belaïd, 70); Bensebaini; Belghali; Bennacer I. (Abdelli, 49); Boudaoui (Zerrouki, 114); Chaïbi (Boulbina, 113); Maza (Bounedjah, 83); Mahrez (Hadj Moussa, 70); Amoura
Substitution: Abdelli (from 49); Belaïd (from 70); Hadj Moussa (from 70); Bounedjah (from 83); Boulbina (from 113); Zerrouki (from 114)
Bench: Mandrea; Benbot; Dorval; Atal; Zorgane; Kebbal; Bakrar
Yellow Cards: Belghali 94; Hadj Moussa 99; Bounedjah 122

DR Congo: Mpasi; Tuanzebe; Mbemba; Mukau (Kakuta, 69); Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy (Pickel, 110); Sadiki (Kayembe E., 70); Kayembe; Bongonda (Balikwisha M-A., 87); Elia (Mbuku, 62); Bakambu (Mayele, 87)
Substitution: Mbuku (from 62); Kakuta (from 69); Kayembe E. (from 70); Balikwisha M-A. (from 87); Mayele (from 87); Pickel (from 110)
Bench: Fayulu; Epolo; Kapuadi; Batubinsika; Bushiri; Kalulu; Cipenga Brian; Essende; Banza
Yellow Cards: Mbemba 101; Kayembe E. 105